She kisses it with fervor,
Then plunges it in her own bosom.
She falls, like a lily cut down in all its beauty.
Her alabaster arm is thrown around her lover’s neck;
A smile flits across her lips;
Her soul, in its turn, takes flight.
And the silent moon hides herself to weep in silence.”
The old musician played sad and mournful harmonies on his tamboura. The guests listened, gazing into the infinite, and dreaming of their unhappy country.
Gradually they all withdrew; the parents took leave of their cherished daughter, weeping, for they were not to see her again for nine months.[4] Archag walked in front, carrying the lantern.